Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, often nicknamed "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," is a much-anticipated event that captivates horse racing enthusiasts every year. On the first Saturday in May, 19 horses will race at Churchill Downs, and coverage details for the 2025 event are unfolding. Here’s what fans should know, from race times to viewing options.
Start Time for the Race
The official race is scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET. However, the festivities begin well before that time. Fans can tune in starting from 12:00 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock, with the full broadcast transitioning to NBC and Peacock at 2:30 p.m. ET.
How to Watch the Race on TV
NBC will provide complete coverage of the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Viewers can initially watch the race on USA Network and Peacock before it shifts to NBC as the main broadcast gets underway. Those with a Peacock subscription can enjoy uninterrupted coverage throughout the day, which extends beyond the Derby to include a variety of sports and entertainment programming. Subscription plans begin at $7.99.
Streaming Options for the Kentucky Derby
For those looking to stream the race, Peacock remains the primary platform. Coverage kicks off at noon, allowing viewers to follow the day’s events leading up to the race.
Lineup of Competing Horses
This year’s favorite is Journalism, though pre-race odds are subject to change. Here’s a current line-up of horses along with their morning-line odds:
- Citizen Bull – 20:1
- Neoequos – 30:1
- Final Gambit – 30:1
- American Promise – 30:1
- Admire Daytona – 30:1
- Luxor Café – 15:1
- Journalism – 3:1
- Burnham Square – 12:1
- Flying Mohawk – 30:1
- East Avenue – 20:1
- Publisher – 20:1
- Tiztastic – 20:1
- Render Judgment – 30:1
- Coal Battle – 30:1
- Sandman – 6:1
- Sovereignty – 5:1
- Chunk of Gold – 30:1
- Owen Almighty – 30:1
- Baeza – 12:1
Prize Money at Stake
The total purse for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is set at $5 million, which will be distributed among the top finishers. The winner is expected to take home $3.1 million. Moreover, the top horse will have opportunities for further glory if they decide to compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 17 and the Belmont Stakes on June 7. The last horse to achieve a Triple Crown victory was Bob Baffert’s Justify in 2018.
Conclusion
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, fans should prepare to engage with this historic event, whether through TV broadcasts or streaming services. With a competitive line-up and a significant purse at stake, the day promises to deliver thrilling horse racing action.